Six weeks after 71-year-old great-grandfather Anthony Farmer was killed in a North Linden hit-and-run, his family says they are still waiting for answers and accountability. Farmer was struck on Jan. 5 while using a marked crosswalk at Cleveland Avenue and Eddystone Avenue, relatives said. The driver kept going, never stopping to check on him, and Farmer was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members say a man later turned himself in at an attorney's office and spoke with police, but prosecutors have yet to file any charges.
Family presses for justice
Farmer's daughter, Jennifer, told reporters the family is struggling to understand why the case seems to be moving so slowly and is urging prosecutors to act. "He was vulnerable, he was taken away," she said, adding that the family needs to see charges filed before they can truly begin to grieve. According to FOX28, relatives gathered in North Linden to call on investigators and county leaders to move the case forward.
Police: suspect turned himself, probe ongoing
Columbus Division of Police officials say the alleged at-fault driver turned himself in at his attorney's office and was interviewed by the department's Accident Investigation Unit, but investigators have not publicly released his name. Detectives say charges will remain on hold until they finish reviewing all available evidence, including any surveillance footage. As reported by NBC4, prosecutors will decide whether to file charges once the investigation is complete.
Where it happened and why it matters
The crash happened along a busy stretch of Cleveland Avenue that residents and city officials have repeatedly flagged for pedestrian safety issues. The city's Walk Safe on Cleveland Avenue initiative has promised enhanced crosswalks and other changes along the corridor, yet serious collisions have continued. Earlier coverage on the corridor's history of crashes detailed both past incidents and the planned upgrades.
Next steps and how to help
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Columbus police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). The Franklin County Coroner identified the victim as 71-year-old Anthony Farmer, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Police say charges remain pending while the Accident Investigation Unit continues to gather and review evidence for prosecutors, per NBC4.
